Replies to: texas state acting BFA

S is a freshman BFA Acting major at TSU. The acting program is also excellent, with lots of opportunities for the kids! Department head is Michael Costello; Lauren Lane and Janice Paige Bishop are on staff there, among many other highly-qualified and well-connected instructors and guest artists. The actors work very closely with the MT's and everyone can audition for all shows (the kids in both programs are extremely close). The acting curriculum is comprehensive and intense, and it includes dance and singing instruction as well (you can find out more by going here: BFA Curriculum : Department of Theatre and Dance : Texas State University). By the way, I'm not sure if they've changed this on the website, but it used to be that acting students were required to audition at the end of sophomore year in order to be admitted to the BFA. This is no longer true; once accepted for the BFA prior to freshman year, students remain in the major. There are no cuts, except for students who fail to do the required work. Sophomore summer is spent interning at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and during junior summer, acting BFA's have the opportunity to study abroad at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, England. All BFA's participate in the New York showcase at the end of senior year. Admission to the major is highly competitive and requires a prescreen DVD and then an on-campus callback. If accepted for the BFA, all students receive a scholarship that allows them to attend TSU at the IN-STATE tuition rate, no matter what state they come from (the theatre department does this because they believe that their students will have a better chance of working in the performance industry after college if they graduate with a relatively small/no student debt load. They really DO care about their students and do everything they can to support them and get them started in the business!). In fact, we pay less $$$ for my son to go to TSU than it would cost at one of our own in-state schools, and the cost at TSU is 1/3 to 1/4 less than most of the private schools where he was accepted (including some other well-known and competitive MT and Acting programs!). If you PM me with your contact information, I will pass it along to my son. I'm sure he would be happy to talk to you about the program; he was quite involved in TSU's recent on-campus callbacks and enjoys working with potential students. He absolutely loves the school and the program. Good luck with your college search!

My daughter is also a freshman BFA Acting student at TSU. I can't say enough good things about the program!!! D has had the opportunity to be in the main stage musical her first semester and the mainstage play her second semester. She also takes dance classes with the MT's. She takes voice via skype with her coach in NYC. She virtually has the best of all worlds - great acting, dancing and voice training. The kids in both programs are a family!!! I truly believe this program is about catch fire. Kaitlin Hopkins has helped put the MT program on the map which is bringing attention to the Acting program. It's somewhat of a well kept fabulous secret. Anyone can message me and I will pass you along to my D.

Nominees included musical theater student Christopher Fordinal (class of 2014) for composing an original score for the production. Way to go!!Be sure to check this out on their website. Can we put web addresses on here????

"Texas State University theatre program has been recognized alongside international organizations and companies for its 2011 production of As You Like It.

Playshakespeare.com released its 2011 Falstaff Award nominations and winners for Shakespeare performances from all around the world, a list that includes names like Christopher Plummer, Kevin Spacey, Samuel Mendes and the Royal Shakespeare Company alongside Texas State.

Nominees included musical theater student Christopher Fordinal for composing an original score for the production and guest designer Marketa Fantova for scenic design. The theatre programs spring 2011 production was directed by Charles Ney, professor of acting and directing in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Texas State was one of only three universities to be nominated for the prestigious awards, the others including Columbia University and the University of California-Irvine.

Most nominations went to major professional companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Globe, the Old Vic and the Public Theatre. Another hit show out of New York, Sleep No More, took home many awards including in the two categories where Texas State was represented."